How do you work with DB2? How do you issue SQL and/or XQuery statements and enter DB2 commands? Are there graphical tools that can make your administration tasks easier? This chapter provides the answers to all of these questions. DB2 provides a wide range of tools, both graphical and command-driven, to help you work with DB2.

Database Tools: The Big Picture

DB2 comes with a comprehensive and complimentary set of tools for you to perform basic database administration and development tasks. Figure 4.1 shows a high level overview of tools available with DB2. They are categorized into command line tools, graphical tools, and other tools to assist you with setup. In most cases you can perform the same DB2 commands, SQL statements, and XQuery statements using the command line and graphical tools.

The Control Center tools and all related components such as wizards and advisors were discontinued in DB2 10. IBM Data Studio can be used to manage DB2 environment and DB2 data-centric applications. IBM Data Studio comes with every DB2 edition.